any jets of wit and
glee, were interchanged at the meal. A pleasant plant grew in the
marshes of that country, called evan-root, which, when boiled in sap,
and tempered with cream, made a delicious beverage, tasting like
coffee; and their nice broiled venison, and Indian bread, washed down
with flowing cups of that favorite drink, was a banquet worthy of a
president.

"A president should go hungry," said Uncle Walter, "if his dainty
palate didn't relish a supper like this."

"A president should relish any food that is fit for his humblest
fellow-citizens," answered Fabens. "And a president worthy of his
station, would honor our rude occupation as much as his own, and share
with pleasure the humblest wholesome meal. What is a president after
all, but the servant we employ to look after our affairs, to be
respected according to his competence and faithfulness, and the amount
of service he does? And nothing, I am sure, can be found in the
grandest entertainment to exhibit refinement, and call forth honor, so
well as the _heart_ with which it is given and enjoyed."

"I guess Troffater would kindy like to be here," said Colwell. "I seen
him when I was comin', and he looked sour, and said he wasn't invited.
Did ye mean to make a bridge o' his nose?"

"I would do Troffater a kindness as soon as anybody," answered Fabens;
"but his shocking levity, I have often told him, displeases us, and his
company was not desired. He is old enough to speak with cleaner lips.
If I could hope to improve him any, I would invite and visit him often.
We do mean to visit his family, and ask them to our house."

"He's havin' the sulks the natteral way," said Colwell.

"He's mad as a March hare, and says, he axes no odds o' Mat Fabens,"
added Teezle.

"Speak low," said Wilson, "I'll warrant, he's near us this very minute;
he's olers spookin' about, and eaves-droppin'."

"Let him spook about and eaves-drop," said Fabens, "I owe him nothing,
but pity for his disposition, and I would say all I have said, and
more, to his face. There is one comfort! God has power to give him a
better heart, and I hope some day he will."

"I dun know about that," said Colwell. "Mebby he can, but it will take
more brimstun than the critter's worth to cleanse his rotten sperit."

"And they'll have to break in an egg or two after that, I guess, to
make it white and clear, as Aunt Polly does her sugar," added Teezle.

"Don't make light of it," said Fabe